Gizzardo

Funke Koleosho's Gizzardo

Gizdodo, gizzard-dodo, dodo-gizzard all refer to a very popular, fried plantain and peppered chicken gizzard combo.


This simple combination actually works because of the different flavours and textures produced individually and collectively by the ingredients used in preparing it.

I have tried and enjoyed gizdodo in its many forms and variations. A typical gizdodo dish is made with fried overripe plantains and cooked/fried chicken gizzards covered with sautéed onions and red peppers...The plantain is usually diced and by the time it is fried, it becomes mushy/sticky and blackened; this I am not too keen about. Instead I want my gizzardo, (which is my preferred name for this dish), made with just ripe plantains and a variety of other ingredients...

.....check it out.

Gizzardo

What you need

• Plenty of chicken gizzards (you can purchase them cleaned and frozen. Turkey gizzards can also be used as a suitable alternative)
• Red onions
• Chives for garnishing
• Ripe plantains (The plantains must be in the stage of ripeness where sugar content is quite high. The skin will have a yellow colour with some streaks of black and still firm to the touch not too soft or mushed up. Find out more about plantains here...)
• Coconut oil for frying
• Chilli powder or scotch bonnet chillies
• Pre-cooked red pepper base sauce (get recipe here)
• Some stock powder seasoning or salt

What to do

1. Wash and trim the gizzards then season with some onions, salt and thyme. Boil until soft and tender. This could take about an hour. Allow to cool then cut into small pieces. Set aside
2. Peel the plantain and thinly slice across its width. Deep fry in coconut oil, remove from the oil and place on some kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
3. In a separate sauce pan, heat some oil and add some chopped onions, some pre-cooked red pepper base sauce, and some chopped scotch bonnet (or chilli powder).
4. Stir well and allow to sizzle for about 3 minutes then add the cooked gizzard pieces and stir. Allow to cook through for about 5 minutes to allow the gizzard pieces soak up some flavours from the sauté. Then add the fried plantain and stir well.
5. Allow all to heat through then serve hot. Ideal to serve as a starter, main meal or side dish....

Gizzardo